...centuries of pioneers and immigrants have risked everything to come here .The future is ours to win. But to get there, we cannot stand still." This quote literally and symbolically embodies the dream that America has sold and many have bought. America’s democratic ideals for centuries have placed an emphasis on the unalienable right of every individual to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. However, this dream has led to mass immigration, which is at the center of many of America’s political, social and economic problems. Similar to the past, Legislators have failed in creating a policy that would not only accommodate immigrants but provides stability and security to its citizens. Congress’s inability to provide tangible paths to legalization is an issue that paves the way for the increase in illegal immigrants. The immigration process serves as a detriment for many foreigners that seek to attain legal entry and status. It violates America’s valued premises by preventing foreigners from pursuing happiness. The process of attaining legal status in the United States has proven to be harsh and extremely bureaucratic, which makes access illegal more viable. The legal status process requires a petition, which is submitted by a kin, who legally resides in the United States of America on behalf on the person, who is seeking legal access. This petition requirement presents a difficult task for first generation immigrants, who have no relatives to file a petition on their behalves...
Words: 2092 - Pages: 9
...immigrants out. America, China, North Korea and many other countries around the world have closed borders against other countries. Their borders do have some errors that let immigrants enter the country illegally. The European Union has an open border within its countries, which is the main reason for extensive immigrants(Lynch). Many Countries have been attempting and struggling to strengthen their borders from neighboring countries. America has been struggling with immigration for a long time. Many undocumented immigrants in America are from Mexico or other countries in South America(Chavez). Immigrants go through tough life choices with leaving their family and selling their belongings to pay smugglers(El Paso Times).When refugees get to America they...
Words: 1117 - Pages: 5
...What would happen if the United States suddenly stopped building walls and instead flung open its borders, not unlike the European Union has done among the member countries of the common market? Conservatives malign the notion and liberals, even radical ones, haven’t exactly embraced the “open borders” concept. Open borders are the norm for borders between subdivisions within the boundaries of sovereign states, though some countries do have controlled borders within the boundaries of the state (for example in the People's Republic of China between the mainland and the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau). Open borders are also usual between member states of federations (such as the United States of America), though again in some instances movement between member states may be controlled...
Words: 1590 - Pages: 7
...Protecting American Borders At the beginning of this century, a Jewish immigrant from England named Israel Zangwill authored a play whose story line has long been forgotten, but whose central theme has not. His play was entitled "The Melting Pot" and its message still holds a tremendous power on the national imagination – “the promise that all immigrants can be transformed into Americans, a new alloy forged in a crucible of democracy, freedom and civic responsibility” (Booth, A1). “Today, the United States is experiencing its second great wave of immigration, a movement of people that has profound implications for a society that by tradition pays homage to its immigrant roots at the same time it confronts complex and deeply ingrained ethnic and racial divisions” (Booth A1). Whether or not America continues to be the great melting pot or the land of opportunity remains to be seen. Clearly implied in Zangwill’s play is the notion is that America will always be an inviting place to all, where dreams can be realized and opportunities abound. In support of this notion that America has traditionally been viewed as a land of opportunity, some citizens believe that existing border restrictions are too firm. In contrast, due to increased tension in Mexico, many politicians feel that America must tighten its already secure borders to prevent illegal immigration. Although both parties differ, United States borders must be protected to maintain the integrity of the country. Supporters...
Words: 821 - Pages: 4
...Gloria Anzaldúa's Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza is a much so divided passage that attests the unpredictability of living in the psychic, social, and social territory some place in the middle of México and the United States. With Gloria Anzaldúa calling the United States/Mexico border "una herida abierta", an open wound, is actually justifiable. The agony and delight of the borderlands, maybe no more noteworthy or lesser than the feelings mixed by living anyplace contradictions proliferate, societies conflict and merge, and life is existed on an edge; which originate from a wound that won't mend but is perpetually recuperating. These grounds have dependably been here; the waterway of individuals has streamed for a considerable length...
Words: 955 - Pages: 4
...Polk the notion of Manifest Destiny began to make its way through America. The idea insisted that it was in gods will to pursue the west coast of present day United States. The statement “Manifest Destiny of the mid- 1800s proved to be just as controversial as it was beneficial for our nation” is an extremely invalid assertion. The newly adapted concept (Manifest Destiny) started to prove that America was a Global Power. Manifest Destiny expanded our borders, prompted economic growth, and led to the advancement of the railroad system. The westward expansion led America to have an increase in the quality of the economy. The Gold Rush gave those who had previously failed and lived in poverty on the east a new beginning in the west. The movement westward, created jobs and industry, that stimulated the American infrastructure. The growth sparked the opportunity for some to open businesses to meet the needs of the miners. With people gaining more funds they were able to output more back into the American Market. The newly acquired land approximately doubled the area of the United States. With the increase in land America appeared to also have a rise in the ranks of world power. We were getting our way with England (one of the worlds most powerful nations) in the recent land negotiations over Oregon and Maine. Moreover, America also had a population boom. Immigrants from afar were coming to our western border with the hopes of making a living by finding gold in the ground...
Words: 385 - Pages: 2
...For years the border fence between United States and Mexico have been an important point in the agenda of the United States’ Congress. Mexico and United States shared about 2000 miles of fenced boarder including some of it as a vehicle barrier and pedestrian fence. Through this barrier many immigrants had put their lives in danger trying to achieve the American dream without measuring the risks of crossing illegally to the United States territory. This issue has been discuss many times by both countries where there are different opinions of the pros or cons with the enforcement of the immigration laws. Thousands of illegal immigrants try to cross the border fence every day. “…between 400,000 and 1 million undocumented migrants try to slip across...
Words: 654 - Pages: 3
...Contents Introduction -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------3 History of the Canadian Border until 1914------------------------------------------------3 The role of the US and Canada in the Great War-----------------------------------------5 World war and its outcome ------------------------------------------------------------------7 Impact of the war on the US –Canadian relations-----------------------------------------8 Modern day relations between US and Canada--------------------------------------------10 American –Canadian economic relations --------------------------------------------------11 Conclusion--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12 First World War and Canada-US Relations Introduction The First World War or the Great War was a remarkable event in the history of the humanity. It influenced and shaped our modern world to an extent like none else, and the reflections of today’s development traces its route back to the decisions taken during and post-World War I. No one had any idea about the huge armies that would be involved, the amount of ammunition that will be expended, and how many people would die. However, the role of Canada in the war is noteworthy, considering the fact that the nation decided to stand by the Britain’s side during the war with the only aim of opposing aggression. It neither fought for anything for itself...
Words: 3402 - Pages: 14
...on how immigrants take the jobs that Americans probably won’t take like working on the fields with the extensive heat, or be worried about going outside because they are scared that maybe they can get arrested and be deported. I think its time to put an end to this because families are being harmed with the current immigration situation. The government has to pass an immigration reform soon because this is a major problem in the whole country. Because immigrants are in America, we should be treated equally as U.S. citizens, because we are hardworking people. Illegal Immigrants came here to start a better life. Illegal Immigrants are not a threat to American society. America was founded by Immigrants. Even though some citizens don’t want us here, we are their support with the economy; we have invested billions of dollars in U.S. soil. Mexican Immigrants should be allowed to immigrate illegally and stay in the U.S. without being separated from their families or be afraid in their daily life routine. The border shouldn’t be militarized because we are not criminals. Arizona's Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act, introduced in the state legislature as SB 1070, was signed into law by Gov. Jan Brewer in April 2010. These laws added new state requirements; crimes and penalties related to enforcement of immigration laws, and were to become effective on July 29, 2010....
Words: 2570 - Pages: 11
...Border War A father and his son slowly makes their way over a ten-foot iron fence; propelling themselves upward by wedging their worn sneakers in between the large metal poles. They’re climbing the fence to go visit their family in America. They both have made this trip multiple times, and both know that if their caught the punishment will be a lecture and a free ride home. Maybe next time over they will carry some drugs to make some quick cash, this is my story and just like my dad and I were, many illegal immigrants know how easy it is to cross the border and how light the punishments are. They know that the border is just a small obstacle between them and the United States, acting more as a revolving door than an impenetrable barrier. The border fortifications put in place by the United States of America are ineffective and a waste of time and money because of the insecure fencing, lack of appropriately equipped and trained personnel, and the fact that drugs are still making it across the border into the United States. The current ineffectiveness of America’s border defenses have been around for multiple decades. For the past ten years, the U.S./Mexican border has come under close scrutiny because of the many failed attempts to hold back immigrants and drug dealers coming from Mexico. Larger fences were built along borders near major cities and towns, mainly along the border cities of Texas. Bigger security forces (the Border Patrol Agency) were created in the mid ‘80s to...
Words: 1739 - Pages: 7
...several African states that already suffer from weak institutions.” (n.d.). This is giving the Transnational Organized Crime groups the ability to operate in West Africa. Corruption, open borders, location, and weak law enforcement allows these areas to become narco-states. For example, Guinea-Bissau is very close to being unable to combat these organizations....
Words: 464 - Pages: 2
...topic to be discussed is about Border Patrolling. During the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Border Patrol and other federal agencies merged were called into a new U.S. Agency Customs and Border Protection. By tradition, the mission of U.S. Border Patrol has always been the protection and prevention of the illegal entry of aliens and smuggling of illegal contraband into the U.S. The federal agencies US Border Patrol is charged with the responsibility to protect the U.S. not because of the influx of immigrants into the country, also by the violence that has raged on the border with Mexico for drug trafficking and weapons. However they have to monitor roads and airports in some areas where more illegal immigrants.To further this discussion I will be going into detail about our boarder regulations specifically concerning Mexico with illegal immigrants. America is a nation of all nationalities and cultures. Some might even say that America was built by immigrant hands. But, immigration is becoming a hot political and ethical issue nationwide due to the number of illegal immigrants illegally crossing Americas’ borders each day. Today with the struggling economy, terrorist acts, and the highest unemployment rate in decades states that share borders with Mexico are implementing strict immigration laws that are seen by some as unethical and a violation of human rights. There are multiple major concerns about the U.S borders, especially when considering Mexico...
Words: 1136 - Pages: 5
...11.4 million in 2012. The government provides legislative policies to deal with the problem, but it seems that undocumented immigration remains to be a problem in America. There are many problems associated with undocumented immigration which is why America has existing immigration and border laws designed to protect US citizens. The main problems caused by undocumented immigration are lost of jobs, depreciated of wages, stolen taxpayer resources, and increased numbers of crimes and domestic terrorism. Each of these problems harms...
Words: 669 - Pages: 3
...her; she did not know that she was not a citizen. Her future, once promising seems dismal. Without proper documentation Ana cannot get a driver’s license, attend college, or even get a good job. Ana did not decide to come to America illegally; however, she will suffer consequences of her parent’s decision. Citizens can benefit from different cultures establishing residence in the United States these benefits have helped to shape society. Some people would argue that we must stop immigration. Others argue that immigration is beneficial but that our current policies are not working. The United States began with immigrants and even though immigration laws need to be reformed, immigrants are vital, and beneficial to society. America, as we know it today, began because of immigrants. The history of immigration can be seen in four periods. The first period started in the eighteenth century and continued through the late nineteenth century. In this first period most of the immigrants came from the British Islands and Western Europe. During this period of immigration the United States had an open-immigration policy. The second period of immigration occurred from the late nineteenth century until about 1921. This period of immigration was also open with some restrictions. The restrictions came about in 1875 when the government did not allow...
Words: 2177 - Pages: 9
...One of today’s biggest issues in America is immigration. We are receiving more immigrants than any other time in history. Immigration affects every aspect of life in America. Many illegal immigrants are migrating to the U.S every year and raising our population. Immigration has an impact on education, health care, government budgets, employment, the environment, and crime. Some migrate for better life and opportunities in America. Many of these immigrants come undocumented. New Mexico has the highest percent of immigrants that migrate. In 2004, 175,364 people migrated to the United States illegally. This is a sign of how open our borders are. There are not enough people securing it. When immigrants are caught, they’re held in jail until they can be deported by to their country of birth. New Mexico’s border security is a big national security problem. New Mexico shares a border with 4 states- Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas. Most of your constituents are from New Mexico. According to President Obama, there is not enough staff to secure the borders and limited supplies to help protect it. This plays a big role in illegal immigration. To reduce the amount of illegal immigrants that migrate to America, companies that employ undocumented immigrants should be punished. This means in order for an immigrant to be employed, they must be documented. You would know if the immigrant was legal or not by matching the info provided on the paperwork to the person...
Words: 934 - Pages: 4
